cubsfan

@John Hjorth Sorry John. The Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, raised a SERIOUS issue in regards to NATO funding and NATO's future. You don't like it? It's a serious shortfall in European funding - not my words - his. Get serious about the real problem here - it's not the US funding. It's about European nations meeting their commitments quickly, without excuses. Try reading his words: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_232545.htm

You and I agree for once, the Dane Anders Puck Nielsen, is a clown show. We have LOTS of them in America too - so I won't hold it against Denmark. Congrats on your 3.5% goal for NATO - seriously! Get the rest of your NATO members in line.

Good one @John Hjorth ! I did not realize that Secretary General of NATO was a Trump Toadie - yeah, sure. Your numbers for 2024 are estimates, and the Europeans have had 8 years to hit the targets! I mean WTF??? As of January 25th - not looking so good, and you can hate Trump all you want, sorry it took him to get NATO in line. Don't shoot the messenger! Peace

@John Hjorth @Spekulatius Statement from Secretary General of NATO - Mark Rutte - January 25, 2025 https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_232545.htm Not sure why guys claim everything in direct contradiction of the Secretary General of NATO. He was very clear in his statement re: USA funding vs European funding. Completely dismisses Anders Nielsen and his silly video. excerpts: the problem is not the US, the problem is Europe. The problem is that – and Trump has consistently made this point - that in Europe, we are underspending in terms of defence. And I think, thanks partly also to him, and maybe to a large extent, we have seen this upturn in spending in NATO on the European side. And he felt that basically, the US was getting a bad deal, and that Europe was basically is funding its social model and its health care system, etc, and its pension system by underfunding in defence. The problem, of course, is that we are not yet all at 2% - that’s problem number one. Problem number two is that 2% is not nearly enough. We are safe now, but NATO collectively is not able to defend itself in four or five years if we stick to the 2% But I can guarantee you, when you look at the incoming data now, 2% is not nearly enough. And on Ukraine. We need the US also to stay involved and to do as much as possible to get Ukraine in a position of strength and have the peace talks start. But I can tell the Europeans, if this new Trump administration is willing to keep on supplying Ukraine with defence industrial, from its defence industrial base, the bill will be paid by the Europeans. I'm absolutely convinced of this. We have to be willing to do that, because at this moment, they (USA) are paying more than the Europeans. And here Trump is right. It is a worldwide conflict, yes, but still, Ukraine is closer to Europe than to the US. ...... Don't let the facts confuse you.

@73 Reds Glad it helps. This is a good spot for young and old. The old guys, me, Deal, James have had good success. The young guys have posted great stuff and workout routines. Something for everyone. Keep the body strong & fit - everything else follows for the boost in energy. Keep the ideas coming.

@73 Reds You might check this thread - it turned up mostly great ideas re: fitness. In fact, the thread could just be renamed Fitness/Excercise ideas.

I never let the facts confused me. The major point, is that Europe is far stronger today because of a much stronger military alliance with NATO - meanwhile, the clown in the video is whining about President Trump -who forced the issue of increased NATO contributions and military strength. Congratulations to the European nations for waking up to the Russian threat. I'm quite sure Europe with be fully prepared from now on. Containing the Russian bear is a SHARED responsibility , not the sole responsibility of the USA.

^^^^ This guy is pretty much an idiot. He's blaming the weakening of Europe on Trump, when in fact, Trump has been in office 2 weeks - and the Ukraine war has been going on 3 years. Joe Biden did nothing to deter the Russian aggression UNTIL the war was well underway. He practically gave Putin the green light to invade - and of course, since Biden was compromised by Ukrainian bribes - he finally responded. And good thing he did, to save the western part of Ukraine. And now, this so-called expert says - NATO is weakened , when in fact, the leader of NATO has thanked President Trump many times for strengthening NATO with dramatically increased funding. No mention of that fact by this genius. It blows his narrative. The war in Ukraine is LOST. The Russians have all the momentum. Look for a settlement that looks like North/South Vietnam BEFORE South Vietnam was totally lost to the communist. Ukrainian losses have been far too high. The government of Ukraine is highly corrupt (hence Biden would not allow military funds to be audited). The President has pretty much stated he's not going to throw good money after bad - but will do everything in his power to end the war. The best that will happen now - is a Ukraine that has lost significant territory - and a fortified DMZ. This guy talks about "deterrence". Deterrence was needed BEFORE this war started - not when it is lost. And the Europeans are nowhere to be found - and somehow -it's the United States that is responsible? Where are the European troops? Why has the US supplied $300B in aid, but Europe has only supplied $100B?

I think Secretary Bessent answers your question right here: https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6368327998112

No doubt this is on the table - debt reduction via tariffs. It was mentioned by Richardgibbons previously, and the President has said as much. Like you say, we will have to see what he has up his sleeve.

Hopefully, Bessent is as smart as you guys, cause you're coming up with some compelling ideas. Our government needs people like you.... maybe we have them for once.

For sure. That's the way it goes when there is so much at stake. So tragic. Definitely learned a lot from you. But not always easy getting there.

Yeah, on that career question, I'd defer to the RIA guys, not me. As a private investor - to get better at investing , my way & @longlake95, makes the most sense.

Only way to keep the peace brother! The Israel/Ukraine threads aren't exactly for the faint of heart. But Trump brings out a whole new level of vitriol. Been there, done that!

Now that is interesting.

Agree with @longlake95 You'll learn plenty here. 16 years ago, when I went on my own, I took a couple accounting classes, which helped a lot. Also a finance class, which I would have skipped, as I knew most of it already. There's so much good stuff available on line now. Keep learning on your own.

John - you're such a good guy, and I really mean that. You are the one that needs to relax now. It's over already. Peace brother.

Fucking awesome. It truly is never too late to get serious and reverse the effects of aging. For most people, it's in their heads that they can't. But the quality of your life improves dramatically, along with your mental health. NOTHING is more important. Kudos to you guys.

Good for you @Ross812 -- you're a young guy with the right priorities!

100% - I never thought about money. It's so much fun when you retire and live like a kid again.

NOPE! But obviously people felt the sky was falling and the end of civilization was right around the corner. As far as I'm concerned - we're much better off.

That's a great attitude to have. It's all about trade-offs. In my quest to make a lot of money, I let my health slip for 15 years or so. Some careers just demand it. Becareful about getting caught up in the flywheel. I regret that - although it's all good now.

The boss tried it in the past. It's his board and it didn't work. And he tried hard to make it work.

I can live with it, even though it's important to the investment case in the US. So much positive change happening. But I applaud Sanjeev for allowing the discussion over this historical weekend.

Well, I think that's a great point really. I'd still like to see remittances to Mexico taxed at 20% until the narco state gets in line with all the problems they cause. They recieved $63B last year, and their economy would collapse without the remittances. It's all part of solving the same problem and the gov is stupid not to use it. Meanwhile - throw it to the wall constuction or stick it in the wealth funds as James suggested.